Collaging Together an Exhibit

Charles Wilkin is the curator of an exhibition about new trends in collage, All That Remains presented by Ugly Art Room at Picture Farm in Brooklyn. Picking from a large number of collage artists, the show opens Oct 21st, with a reception from 7-9pm at Picture Farm (338 Wythe Ave.) Here are some of the images in the show. And below is Wilkin answering my questions . . .

Why did you organize this group collage show?
With the impending demise of print media, collage artists are reaping the rewards of a virtual boom in discarded paper ephemera. This is probably one of the reasons why there’s been renewed interest in collage lately. I also feel this show will introduce collage to a new audience and really showcases the depth and complexity of contemporary collage.

What were your criteria?
My criteria was simple really. I wanted to select a groups of artists that represented what was happening now in collage. I think this show creates a perfect snap shot of the incredible diversity of styles, techniques while at the same time really projects a cohesive message relevant to what’s happening in the world today. Collage always has this uncanny way of bridging the past with the present and I think that is really evident in this show.

What is it about collage that is so compelling?
For me personally is about being free to live in the moment of making a collage. The immediacy and spontaneity is extremely challenging and exciting. I love not knowing where I’m going until I get there which allows me imagine what is possible. I think a lot of other collage artist have similar feelings about it. There really is a great sense satisfaction that comes from making something out of nothing.

Is collage coming back? Or has it never gone?
Collage is certainly experiencing a revival but at the same time I don’t think it ever went away. Collage has long history of popping up during times of social and political uncertainty, Dada, and Punk Rock are just a few examples. So it seem natural that collage has reemerged now when everything seems uncertain and in flux. I think what’s amazing this time around is the level of diversity and complexity conceptually that collage has evolved into, it’s not just about paper, glue and tape anymore.

About Steven Heller

Steven Heller is the co-chair of the SVA MFA Designer /Designer as Author + Entrepreneur program, writes a weekly column for The Atlantic online and is the "Visuals" Columnist for the New York Times Book Review. He is also the author of over 160 books on design and visual culture. And he is the 2011 recipient of the Smithsonian National Design Award.